Beyond Ivy Walls review + giveaway

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for Beyond Ivy Walls by Rachel Fordham hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Title: Beyond Ivy Walls
Author: Rachel Fordham
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release Date: August 14, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance

My Review:

I love the cover of Beyond Ivy Walls, but the story within is just as beautiful as the cover. Rachel Fordham has outdone herself with this one, I think it is my new favorite of hers.

Sadie is a strong female character. When her dad is injured, she does whatever it takes to help her family. In this case, she has moved away from her family and works in a factory. Amid bleak circumstances, she meets Otis.

Otis has been living in seclusion ever since his father sent him away as a child. He has physical and emotional scars. After the death of his family, he returns to Monticello to settle the family affairs. He has no desire to see anyone, he just wants to take care of business. My husband has alopecia, so when Otis's condition started coming up, I immediately knew what it was. My heart hurt for him and his need to hide all the time.

There are so many different dynamics at play in Beyond Ivy Walls. While the story is reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, it is also an original story in its own right. I loved Sadie and Otis, but the cast of supporting characters is just as enduring. Sadie is close to her family and her sisters are a hoot. Otis has Mildred and Leon who work for him, but are more like parents/grandparents than staff. 

While I could continue to gush, I don't feel like I am adequately expressing myself. This story will take you through a gauntlet of emotions, and leave you wanting more. It is one for the keeper shelf and one I highly recommend. 

Thank you to JustRead Publicity for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

★★★★★/5 

 About the Book

Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love.

Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only discarded Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing niece.

At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor.

Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. The mystery of his long-lost niece, however, is more complex than either could have imagined, and Sadie may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Christianbook | Bookshop

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About the Author

Rachel Fordham is the author of The Letter Tree, Where the Road Bends, A Lady in Attendance, A Life Once Dreamed, The Hope of Azure Springs, and Yours Truly, Thomas. Fans expect stories with heart and she delivers, diving deep into the human experience and tugging at reader emotions. She loves connecting with people, traveling to new places, and daydreaming about future projects that will have sigh-worthy endings and memorable characters. She is a busy mom, raising both biological, adopted and foster children (a cause she feels passionate about). She lives with her husband and children on an island in the state of Washington.

Connect with Rachel by visiting rachelfordham.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive print copies of the author’s previous 6 novels: The Hope of Azure Springs, Your's Truly, Thomas, A Life Once Dreamed, A Lady in Attendance, Where the Road Bends, and The Letter Tree!

(2) additional winners will receive one Rachel Fordham backlist print copy of their choice!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 7, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 14, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!